Thinking of buying or adopting
a Russian Black Terrier?

Russian Black Terrier Overview

The Russian Black Terrier is a large and imposing working breed with an above-average size and massive bones. It has an almost square appearance and is covered by harsh and thick coat, well furnished on the head and limbs. It features a moderately broad skull with slightly pronounced eyebrows. The muzzle slightly tapers towards the tip and sports whiskers and beard which gives the square-off shape of the muzzle. Tight fitting black lips, large black nose, and medium, oval dark eyes complete the facial features. The highly set ears are pendant and triangular in shape. It has strong jaws with complete scissor bite and a reasonably long and muscular neck that proudly supports the medium head. Straight and parallel frontlegs and equally muscular and well developed thighs help support the deep chested and moderately tucked-up body. The legs are cushioned to the ground by large, rounded and well-arched feet with thick pads. The highly set tail is customarily docked to three or four joints depending on the proportions of the dog. The weatherproof coat has a dense undercoat and comes in black or black with grey hairs.

Russian Black Terrier Characteristics

Intelligence

Intelligence

All dog breeds have different levels of intellect. Some dog breeds; working dogs in particular, are very independent thinkers and have been evolved to be very intelligent. Typically, a highly intelligent dog does well in obedience training and other activities. A highly intelligent dog can be very demanding and do require lots of physical and mental stimulation. If you’re looking for a relatively laid-back dog, that doesn’t require lots of mental and physical stimulation, then you must fully understand the level of intelligence of your dog breed of choice.

Before committing to a certain dog breed, you must fully understand their intellect levels and their specific levels of energy. To keep your dog well-balanced and happy, their needs must be met and maintained.

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Exercise Needs

Exercise Needs

All dog breeds have different needs when it comes to the level of exercise they require. For the high energy dogs; which are your typical working dogs, they have a lot of energy and require lots of daily exercise along with plenty of mental stimulation. A highly energetic dog breed would suit an individual or family that is equally as active and loves the outdoors. There are also breeds that have relatively low exercise needs, such as toy dog breeds. Although they require daily exercise and mental stimulation, they’re just as happy chilling at home with their loved ones. This type of dog breed would suit an individual or family that prefers the peace and quiet and relaxation.

Before deciding on your chosen dog breed, Mypetzilla recommends that you research the exercise needs and whether you’re well equipped before committing to buying or adopting a particular dog breed.

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Dogs Health

Dogs Health

There are several dog breeds that are known and potentially predisposed to developing health related conditions. Sensible breeding can help prevent the onset of health related conditions and this should always be taken into condition when researching your dog breed of choice. Before committing to a dog, you should speak to the breeder about any health related conditions that may affect the dog you’re looking to buy or adopt. You can also request to see any test results from genetic testing.

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Child Friendly

Child Friendly

There are many dog breeds that tolerate children really well and are not affected by the constant noise and need for play-time. However, there are some dog breeds that don’t do very well with children and can become frustrated and snappy. That being said, all children should be shown how to handle and care for a dog in their home and should always be supervised when playing. As much as a dog can become annoyed and snappy with a younger child, the child can also become less tolerant and misbehaved towards the dog.

Mypetzilla recommends that you always supervise play-time between your children and dog. Children need to respect the boundaries and feeding time for the dog and likewise for the child. We also strongly advise that play-time doesn’t get out of control and too rough which can cause injury to both child and dog.

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Apartment

Apartment

There are lots of dog breeds that are well suited to living in an apartment. It’s worthwhile noting that you need to check that you’re allowed dogs in your building before committing to bringing one home. If you do decide to own a dog and are living in an apartment, then you must make sure that they have plenty of room to roam around and frequent walks outside to prevent them from becoming bored and depressed.

Mypetzilla recommends that you check as to whether you’re allowed dogs in your apartment building and to fully ensure your apartment is dog proof before committing fully to bringing a dog home.

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Shedding

Shedding

All dog breeds shed to some extent, some more than others. With this, all potential dog owners should be aware of this, as it will be a matter of putting up with some hair or lots of hair being left around the house. Depending on the dog breed, there are certain times during the year where some dog breeds shed the most and this is typically around spring and autumn. However, there are some dog breeds that shed all year round.

If you’re very house-proud, they you may want to choose a dog breed that sheds very little. Mypetzilla strongly recommends that you fully research your dog breed of choice and their shedding levels before committing.

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Grooming Needs

Grooming Needs

All dog breeds require different levels of grooming. Some dog breeds are easier to maintain than others and only require a weekly brush to help keep their coat in good condition. There are some dog breeds that require regular trips to the grooming parlour and this can come at a huge cost. Either way, all dog breeds require their coat and nails to be maintained and cared for.

Mypetzilla strongly advices that potential owners research the grooming needs and associated costs with their desired dog breed before fully committing.

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Barking

Barking

Barking is a necessity for your dog to communicate. However, it can also be a nuisance to yourself and fellow neighbours if it’s not kept under control. If you live in an apartment, then you’re better off choosing a dog breed that doesn’t bark as much. If you live further out and far from civilisation, then it’s worthwhile looking into a dog breed that does bark and will bark to alert you of any other company on your property.

Mypetzilla advices that you research the behaviours of your dog breed of choice and whether this would work for you and your family. It’s worth noting that dogs can be trained to bark less and this will take a lot of effort and training from the owner.

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Alone

Alone

Majority dog breeds form very close relationships with their owners and as a result can become very stressed when left alone for a period of time. If a dog is suffering with separation anxiety then they’re very likely to become destructive around the home as a way of dealing with their anxieties. Dog breeds that do form strong bonds with their owners are better accustomed to a household where one member of the family remains home, whilst the others are out, this is to help avoid further anxieties and destructive behaviours.

Mypetzilla recommends that all potential owners research their dog breed of choice on their bonding abilities and how well-adjusted they are to being left alone at home. It’s also worth noting that you should never leave your dog for longer than 4 hours alone at home.

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Trainability

Trainability

There are certain dogs breeds that have very high intellect and therefore easier to train than other dog breeds. There is also a downside to this; as fast as they learn the new trick or command, they can easily pick up bad habits just as quick. Other dog breeds that don’t rank as high on the intellect scale require patience and plenty of reward treats from their owners during training.

Before committing to a certain dog breed, Mypetzilla advices you to fully research your dog breed of choice and their level of training needs.

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Energy Levels

Energy Levels

All dog breeds have different energy levels. The working dog breed has one of the highest energy levels in comparison to the low-energy dog’s breeds such as the Toy dog breed group. To keep a dog truly happy, healthy and well-balanced, their energy levels must be met.

High-energy dog breeds need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. High energy dog breeds would suit an active family or person. Dog breeds that are considered as low-energy, love to spend the majority of their time relaxing and sleeping in their favourite, comfy spot. A low-energy dog breed would suit an individual that equally loves the quiet life and relaxing lifestyle. Of course, low-energy dogs still need their daily walks and mental stimulation, just not as much as a high-energy dog breed.

Mypetzilla recommends that potential owner research fully on the type of dog breed that would suit their existing lifestyle and to also take into consideration the dog breeds energy levels and exercise requirements.

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Dog friendly

Dog friendly

Before you decide on what dog breed would be suitable for you and your family, you must consider whether they’re a friendly dog breed and if you already have other pets within the household. For homes that already have dogs and other domestic pets, then it’s wise to choose a dog breed that has a friendly personality and temperament.

There are some dog breeds that mix well with other dog breeds and there are others that don’t suit one another and this could potentially cause issues later on down the line.

Another important point to consider is whether the dog breed of choice is friendly towards people and children.

Mypetzilla recommends to research fully on the right dog breed for your family and to also consider their temperament and characteristics.

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History & Origin

The Black Russian Terrier was developed in the former USSR as a result of a need for military working dogs during the 1940s. The breed is a mix of Airedale Terrier, Caucasian Ovcharka, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Giant and Standard Schnauzers and the Moscow Water dog (now an extinct breed). Most of these dogs were largely imported from the occupied countries, especially the former East Germany. It was developed greatly for its working ability rather than appearance and was exclusively bred by the state owned Red Star Kennel until 1957 after some puppies were sold to breeders who were not associated with the military. The breed eventually had some improvement in looks while still retaining its working ability. Among the impressive abilities of the Black Russian Terrier include explosives and mine detection, border guard patrol, transporting supplies and sledge-pulling, and search and rescue operations. It has also used in a military role during the conflicts in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

Russian Black Terrier Temperament

The Black Russian Terrier is very intelligent, brave and loyal. It is not a shy breed and will not think twice in defending its human family if they are threatened. It is typically reserved of strangers which makes it an excellent guard dog. Although it is a very bright dog, the Black Russian Terrier has a tendency to be very independent and stubborn but is quite easy to housetrain. This playful breed takes a couple of years before reaching full maturity, mentally speaking. It is not prone to excessive barking and will only bark when it feels necessary to do so.

Training

The Black Russian Terrier requires an owner that is used to raising a dog similar to the stubbornness and independent attitude of the breed. It is not typically recommended for a novice pet owner as this working dog will exploit any owner who has failed to establish clear dominance. Training should be firm and consistent with a gentle touch. Obedience training and socialization at an early age is very important in order to raise a breed with good social values.

Grooming

The coat of this low-shedding breed requires moderate grooming; weekly brushing is required and professional grooming is suggested every one and a half months.

Health

The Black Russian Terrier is generally a healthy breed and a long-lived dog for its size, with a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. A major medical concern typical of any large dog breed is canine hip dysplasia, which can cause painful arthritis of the hips. Minor problems include elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy or PRA which causes progressive vision loss that culminates in blindness.

Exercise

Daily mental and physical stimulation such as long walks is required to keep the breed in excellent condition and prevent hyperactivity and boredom from setting in. Most will enjoy playing in the snow or water if given the chance. It will do fine in an apartment dwelling as long as it is given the proper amount of exercise and interaction with humans and other pets. This breed is fairly inactive indoors and will do best in a house with a secured yard.

Children and other pets

It is a very dominant breed and may need to be socialized at an early age to be able to live well with other dogs and household animals. On the other hand, it is very gentle with children whom it enjoys playing with.